The best containers for starting seeds depend on your budget, space, and how many plants you want to grow. Seed starting trays with cells work well for most home gardeners. Peat pots, soil blocks, and even recycled containers can all produce healthy seedlings when you use them the right way.
I tested cell trays, peat pots, and soil blocks side by side for two seasons in my basement setup. Cell trays won for ease of use and less hassle overall. They pop out seedlings without root damage and I can wash and reuse them for years. Peat pots caused problems because they dried out too fast. Roots sometimes failed to break through the pot walls after transplanting too.
Every container you use must have drainage holes in the bottom. Water that sits in the soil causes roots to rot within just a few days. It also creates perfect conditions for damping off disease that kills seedlings overnight. Poke holes in recycled containers if needed. You can also buy trays that already have proper drainage built in for you.
Seed starting trays come in different cell sizes for different crops you want to grow. The 72-cell trays work great for tomatoes, peppers, and flowers that transplant well at small sizes. Use larger 4-inch (10 centimeter) pots for crops that grow fast or need bigger root systems before moving outside like squash and cucumbers.
The best seedling containers match your specific growing style and garden goals for the year. Plastic cell trays suit gardeners who start many plants and want to reuse supplies each season. Peat pots and soil blocks work better if you hate disturbing roots at transplant time or prefer compostable options for your garden.
Budget matters when you pick your containers too. A 72-cell tray costs a few dollars and lasts five or more seasons with care. Peat pots cost more over time since you buy new ones every single year. Soil blocks need a special tool that costs $30 to $50 upfront but uses just potting mix after that first purchase you make.
Start with basic plastic cell trays if you feel unsure about which option fits your needs best. They forgive mistakes better than other choices you might try. Roots stay moist longer than in peat pots and you can see drainage working through the clear plastic. Once you grow for a year or two you can try other container types based on what you learned.
Read the full article: When to Start Seeds Indoors: Ultimate Guide
